Parenting: Coach Bong Ravena and Kiefer: How to bring-up a winner

Sikat na sikat si Kiefer Ravena (UAAP Season 77 MVP and team captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles) nitong huling UAAP Season dahil sa angking galing niya sa basketball court. Bilang anak ni Coach Bong Ravena — 1992 PBA Rookie of the Year and Assistant Coach of Talk n’ Text — we can see that the apple really does not fall far from the tree.

Kiefer Ravena and Coach Bong Ravena at their home.

Working together on a gameplan with Kiefer and his dad is Kiefer’s mom, Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, and his siblings Thirdy and Dani. Mozzy, a volleyball analyst, is a former UST Golden Tigress volleyball star. Thirdy is Kiefer’s teammate in the Blue Eagles, and Dani is a volleyball star currently playing for the Miriam College Knollers. Teamwork is what keeps their family together, and helps them succeed.

Handling pressure

There is always pressure when playing sports, but Kiefer has learned how to go through this with grace and determination. “Bata pa lang ako, I was playing with pressure already. So I grew up getting used to it, liking it, and challenging myself how I can overcome this pressure, in order to be the best basketball player that I can possibly be.”

Making decisions — like which university to go to – is easy for Kiefer because he is open to his parents about these things. They help him weigh the pros and cons, and help him decide. “They tell me what is best for my career and what not to do. Kaya advantage talaga na athletes din ang parents ko.”

Coach Bong states that one has to have passion for the sport. “As a coach, ang hirap magturo sa bata nang wala sa puso niya. Kailangan love mo muna, bago kita turuan,” he says with a smile. Coach Bong observed this in Kiefer even before he entered high school. His focus and mindset, even at that age, were impressive. Even through moments of defeat, Kiefer has managed to accept it gracefully and move on.

Kiefer is surely blessed to be one of the best collegiate basketball players in the Philippines today. His dedication and love for the sport has fueled him to achieve more than what has been expected of him.

Pero tulad ng sinabi niya, hindi niya mararating ito kung hindi dahil sa kanyang pamilya at mga magulang. With his family’s teamwork backing him up, there will definitely be more opportunities for his basketball career to soar to greater heights.